Do you enjoy getting involved, learning new things and investing your energy in a project that really lives sustainability? Would you like to authentic life in Sri Lanka experience up close, get actively involved in the Family life on a farm and learn a lot about Agricultural methods, Sustainable waste managementeverything around the Coconut and Woodworking learn? Then the Eco Farm in Sri Lanka is just right for you! In the midst of tropical nature, you can expect a family environment that will welcome you immediately. Here you will not only help with agricultural work or animal care, but also become part of a warm community in which family, volunteers and guests come together. Through your commitment, you will actively shape the future of a farm that has been built up with a lot of love, time and dedication and is now a A place of sustainability, creativity and cultural exchange is. If you enjoy physical work, a close connection to nature and real insights into the everyday life of a Sri Lankan family, you will feel completely at home in this project.
This farm has everything you could wish for under real farm life can only imagine - and much more. Meet the beautiful family of four who have spent years putting an incredible amount of love, time and effort into an abandoned house to create a unique home! Here, sustainability is not a fuzzy, theoretical term, but a concept that is actively lived in everyday life - creating small but real change, bit by bit.
When the German founder was living in Colombo at the time, she probably couldn't have imagined starting a farm. However, as in so many other lives and parts of the world, the COVID pandemic has brought about a radical change in her life: After being in a weekend relationship with her now-husband in Colombo, she moved to live with him in the countryside during this unpredictable time, surrounded by nature instead of the city. There she learned the abandoned house and the land belonging to his great-grandmother which has not been lived in or used by anyone for years. Before the property falls into complete disrepair, the couple decide to make something of the legacy together and give the place a new lease of life. breathe new life into. With a lot of energy, savings and attention to detail, the renovation work begins - in and around the house. The roof, the walls, the floor, everything has to be redone, while the newly planted trees in the garden begin to take root.
While the work is progressing, a couple of Chickens and a cow and little by little the farm continued to develop. A few years and a wedding later, the family was extended by two children and Ducks, Cows, Goatsone Dog and a Cat expanded. Today, the farm is a living example of how creativity and dedication can be used to build something new, unique and beautiful from something old and almost derelict.
From the very beginning, the Coconut has played a central role and symbolizes the sustainable use of natural resources. Here you can learn everything about the coconut - from Cultivation and care of the plant to Harvesting and processing. Have you ever grated or dried a fresh coconut? This is your chance! You can also use them in creative Upcycling projects and give their shells a new purpose in graceful lamps, spoons or other everyday objects. The pieces are true works of artthat show how versatile this fruit is! The coconut and its significance continue to represent the Combining traditional knowledge and modern sustainabilityone of the cornerstones of the farm.
However, it is no longer just the coconut that plays a role. In addition to coconuts, a variety of fruits grow in the garden and the farm is home to a colorful number of animals: Cows, goats, ducks and Guinea fowl are at home here and look forward to being looked after every day. You will quickly get to know their special characteristics! Caring for the animals is itself a particular highlight of the farm: during her studies, the founder has worked intensively with Methods for reducing food waste that Animal feed therefore consists largely of Foodthat supermarkets in the Normally disposed of would have been. We now cooperate with three supermarkets from which food is regularly collected in order to find a new purpose as animal feed instead of slowly going to waste. Food that unfortunately can no longer be used as animal feed is recycled in the specially built biogas plant used to generate energy. A concept that reduces food waste, incorporates new technology into everyday life and provides sustainable food for the animals. Ingenious, isn't it? And this approach is reflected in all of the farm's methods and forms its core: the conscious use of resources, curiosity to try out new things and the simultaneous appreciation of tried and tested methods. The experiences and views on life that you get to know here will stay with you for a long time!
The work on the farm is extremely varied and involves all areas of life. It never gets boring here! Besides Agriculture and Animal care creative and craft projects are also on the program. A Pizza oven built, Bread and butter become homemadethere is a Wood workshop where impressive, unique pieces of furniture and decoration are lovingly built by hand. There is no rigid plan here, but room for creativity, new ideas and personal initiative! A potential new project is waiting around every corner - you just have to make it your project.
But one thing is clear, the farm is not a collection of work projects - it is a At home. As a volunteer, you will be welcomed as a member of the family and invited to experience everyday life up close. This includes cooking together, looking after the children or sitting together on the beach in the evening and ending the day together. This family atmosphere in particular makes this project unique and gives you the chance to feel part of a wonderful community.
The tasks on the farm really do offer something for everyone - especially as there is no rigid work schedule, but you have the opportunity to naturally pursue your own interests and skills. Depending on your personality, preferences and motivation, you can get involved in a wide variety of areas:
Agriculture & Gardening:
An important part of the farm work is looking after the garden and the fruit trees. Here you can learn how fruit is grown and processed in Sri Lanka. The focus is particularly on coconuts: you help with harvesting, peeling, grating and drying. If you like working outdoors and being physically active, this is the right place for you. The possible tasks also include planting new trees or designing green spaces.
Animal care:
The animals on the farm are an integral part of the community and need to be looked after! You can help feed them, clean the stables or help with improvement work. Of course, the dog and cat are also happy to have your attention - and if you feel like it, you can even milk the cows yourself for your own butter production!
Sustainability & Bioeconomy:
Sensitive noses beware! A special highlight of the farm is working at the biogas plant. Here you will learn how food waste can be recycled and how energy is created from waste. If you like getting your hands dirty, you can also help sort the collected food to find out which food can still be used to feed the animals and which goes straight into the plant. Caution - sensitive noses could be put to the test!
Creative & craft projects:
The themes of recycling and upcycling are also reflected here. In the wood workshop, you can get creative and learn how to turn coconut shells into beautiful everyday objects. With a bit of luck, you can also help make furniture or decorative items - or even start your own project! If you enjoy handicrafts, you can give free rein to your creativity and design your own unique souvenir.
Childcare & housework:
With so many people and animals, the farm can sometimes be very busy and support is needed here too. If you have a soft spot for children, you are welcome to help out with childcare. Whether it's playing together, doing arts and crafts or perhaps tidying up together - your host mom will be happy to have your support in everyday life! And there's plenty to learn here too: you can bake bread yourself, make butter and heat up your own pizza oven for particularly tasty meals.
Whether you prefer to work with animals, try your hand at farming, get to know the biogas plant and food reduction methods or lend a helping hand around the house - there is always something to do! Since the farm started welcoming volunteers, many projects have been advanced and implemented and the family rarely runs out of ideas for expansion or improvement. Become part of an inspired, motivated team that is bursting with enthusiasm, the joy of implementation and the will to make a difference! And look forward to ending the evening together on the beach after work, enjoying nature and experiencing a sense of community that you will never forget.
The farm is located in Kamburugamuwa, embedded in a tropical landscape characterized by Palms, Coconut groves and lush green. Life here is quieter than in cities and offers the opportunity to concentrate fully on nature and the community. Small stores and markets are within walking distance, and a larger supermarket is just a few minutes away by bike or tuktuk. Bicycles are available for spontaneous trips to the supermarket, otherwise the family will be happy to take you shopping together by car.
Outstanding Karamburugamuwa is the quiet, not yet overcrowded one, long golden sandy beach with crystal clear water. It invites you to end the evening together and forget the day's exertions with a dip in the water.
There are also beautiful beaches to discover in the surrounding area, and the nearest town of Mirissa even offers Whale watching tours a unique opportunity to keep an eye out for these marine giants. Of course, it is important to ensure that protection and respect for the wild animals is a top priority.
When nature attracts you, the surrounding areas are National parks easy to reach from Kamburugamuwa. But also Temple visits are a fascinating excursion destination - for example the Garanduwa Templea historic Buddhist temple near Mirissa, takes you back in time and shows you a new perspective of Sri Lanka.
To participate in the project No special previous knowledge necessary. It is much more important that you look back on your time in the project with Openness, Curiosity and a willingness to embrace new circumstances and experiences. As the work on the farm can be physically demanding, you should be fit and resilient be. At the same time, a certain degree of Flexibility important, as the daily routine depends on the weather, animals and upcoming projects.
Equally in demand are Independence and Sense of responsibility. As you will be considered part of the family during your time in the project, you should be able to deal with children and a lively, sometimes somewhat turbulent everyday life. Mosquitoes, a tropical climate and encounters with wild animals are also part of it. But if you bring a little lightness and humor to these topics, you will have the time of your life here.
English is the Communication languagee in the project, so you should be able to express yourself and hold conversations in English. As the founder of the project is German-speaking, it is not a problem if you feel a little unsure at first. However, in order to fully integrate into the community and understand work tasks, it is important that you advanced knowledge of English you bring with you.
You live directly on the farm in a simple but lovingly designed room. You either have the bedroom to yourself or share it with another person. The bathrooms and showers are shared. These consist of both a new sanitary facility and outdoor showers and are shared by volunteers and guests.
Meals are included and Three freshly prepared meals a day ensure that you get to know the diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine. Rice, curries, fresh vegetables and, of course, coconut are an integral part of the meals. Vegetarian and vegan options are a natural part of everyday lifeas the local cuisine is strongly plant-based. This means that there is usually a natural selection of dishes to suit all tastes.
If you feel like it, you can help out in the kitchen - there are several kitchen areasincluding Thermomix, are free to use. This gives you the opportunity to add your own recipes or cook your own favorite dish if you miss cooking at home.
Shopping facilities are also close by - there is a small store just down the street and larger supermarkets can be reached in around 10 minutes.
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